Managed IT or break-fix: which is right for your office?
- Break-fix means you call and pay when something breaks. Managed IT means a steady monthly price and someone watches your systems.
- If an outage would cost you more than a day of pay, managed is usually the safer choice.
Quick check
Answer yes or no.
- Do you have more than about five people who use computers every day?
- Would a day without email or files cost real money?
- Do you handle customer, patient or client records?
- Do you wait for a problem before you call anyone?
- Does one person hold all the passwords?
Two or more yes answers usually point to managed IT.
When break-fix is fine
A one person office with a few simple devices, no sensitive records and an owner who is happy to handle small things can do well with help only when needed. Even then, backups and a second sign-in step are not optional.
The hidden cost of break-fix
The provider earns money when things break. A managed plan flips that, so the provider is paid to keep things running. For the full side by side, see our guide on managed IT vs break-fix.
When to call a pro
- You are not sure which one you have today.
- You pay hourly and the bills keep surprising you.
- You want a clear one page list of what a monthly plan would cover.
Need IT support for your business?
Call Ava, or book a free check. We look at your setup and tell you what we would fix first, in plain words, whether or not you hire us.
●●● ●●●-●●●● Book a free check
Common questions
Is managed IT only for big companies?
No. Teams of five to a hundred are a good fit, and flat pricing makes it easy to plan.
Can I start with break-fix and move later?
Yes, but a first review and clean up is needed. It is easier before a problem than after.
Does managed IT cover everything?
Ask for the list in writing. Projects such as a move to the cloud are often quoted separately.
Keep reading
- How much does IT support cost per user in New Jersey?
- Seven signs you have outgrown your IT support
- What to ask an IT company before you hire
Where we help
Minority- and Black-owned businesses are welcome here, and so is every other small business.
Book a free 30-minute review
Tell us what is not working. We will look at your setup and tell you what we would change, whether or not you hire us.
Book the review ●●● ●●●-●●●●